The Pauline Vision of Apostolate in 1Cor9

Abstract

To start with, we cannot ignore the fact that the authenticity of Paul’s apostolate is often questioned. However, the Apostle of Gentiles was aware of his experience of Jesus Christ that completely transformed his life. This fundamental encounter, an act of grace of God, serves as a guarantee of the veracity of Paul’s mission and this was confirmed by the other apostles. The vivid experience of the Saviour caused his apostolic fervour and the results: the numerous communities founded by Paul. The Gospel he preaches was entrusted to him and not made up. He sees himself as a servant of Yahweh whose objective is to assemble once more the Rest of Israel, whatever it takes. The Apostle of Gentiles knows it well that the only way to achieve this goal is by self-sacrifice. Therefore he brings the Good News not in the spirit of the human wisdom but the ‘wisdom of the Cross’ which often leads to being scorned and rejected. Despite this, he establishes the new Christian communities in order to “merit the incorruptible crown of glory”.